Job Title: Associate Scientist
Location: Liverpool (UK)
Introduction to role
Join our Flu Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD) team, a scientific function specializing in Virology, Strain Development, Process Development, and Analytical Development. We are responsible for influenza strain development for manufacturing the seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine. Our Seasonal Delivery Team excels in Upstream and Downstream techniques, including cell culture, single-use bioreactors, transfection systems, and egg processing. We ensure the supply of accession seed material to the Manufacturing department and critical reagents to the QC groups. Our core capabilities align with our pipeline and business strategy, enabling the production of vital medicines for patients.
Accountabilities
- Conduct and participate in Upstream activities supporting seasonal vaccine strain development such as egg characterisation assays (Growth kinetics, MVS+), cell culture, Accession seed generation and preparation of antigen using single-use bioreactors.
- Conduct and participate in Downstream activities supporting seasonal vaccine strain development such as clarification, sterile filtration, TFF, diafiltration and ultracentrifugation.
- Contribute and function effectively in one or more development projects, generating high quality, accurate data to support the project. Communicate data to manager and project teams on a regular basis.
- Where applicable, work at Biosafety level 2 enhanced.
- Work to cGMP standards and comply with GxP documentation standards in line with the site Quality Manual.
- Comply with required standards with respect to documentation, good housekeeping, health and safety, timekeeping, regulatory legislative requirements, the Code of Conduct and other company policies and procedures.
- Provide solutions using theories and concepts in a limited area or field independently and within a team.
- Participate in technically demanding projects within a specific area or field.
- Present data at internal meetings.
- Advance scientific excellence as part of the team’s responsibilities. This includes adopting a philosophy of continuous improvement and a “Right First Time” attitude to all operations.
- Work to time-sensitive schedules.
- Provide laboratory support as a lab champion, being responsible for laboratory standards of a specific area.
Essential Skills/Experience
- To have a minimum of a life sciences degree, preferable in a biological subject.
- Knowledge of the following areas: cell biology, cell culture, single use bioreactors, egg biology and egg embryology, molecular and cell biology techniques.
- Laboratory experience in the following Upstream areas:
- Cell culture on primary and secondary cell lines
- Single use bioreactors
- Egg inoculation and harvesting
- Transfection
- Handling of wild-type Influenza virus
- Laboratory experience in the following Downstream areas:
- Clarification
- Sterile filtration
- Tangential flow filtration (TFF)
- Diafiltration
- Ultracentrifugation
- Experience of working under Biosafety Level 2.
- Experience in GxP documentation practices.
- Multi-task, team player with good organisation, record keeping and communication skills.
- Works under supervision to meet project goals.
- Delivers data that contributes to project advancement.
- Some knowledge and experience of good experimental design and statistical analysis.
- Familiar with Microsoft office programs.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Some knowledge and experience of manufacturing laboratory practices and quality systems.
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
At AstraZeneca, we are driven by science and innovation. Our collaborative environment fosters creativity and bold decision-making. We work on groundbreaking medicine discovery and development from early to late stages, addressing complex unmet patient needs. Join us to be part of a team that is empowered to explore new areas, apply innovative solutions, and make a significant impact on patients' lives globally.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.